LOCAL gymnastics provider Gym Matrix hosted its first friendly competition-presentation day at the Singleton PCYC at the weekend.
With more than 110 participants from regional areas within the Hunter, including Clarence Town, Dungog, Stroud, Vacy and Singleton, owner Jen Kendell was thrilled with the numbers.
“Our vision for the day was to have children who live in more rural areas to experience a friendly competition day and walk out with a smile on their face,” she said.
Each child had the opportunity to perform set skills on the bars, balance beam, floor and mini-tramp.
The Dungog, Singleton and Stroud TeamGym competition delighted the 150-strong audience with their floor routines.
“I found the day to be inclusive, fun and had a great sense of community,” Stroud parent Dayanna Finch said.
“Gym Matrix gave regional children the chance to feel special for the day.”
Singleton PCYC manager David Andrews said he was overwhelmed by the response from the community.
“The PCYC benefited greatly from the day with a barbecue and canteen running all day, with more than $600 raised,” he added.
“Nothing makes me happier than seeing the PCYC full of active happy children.”
The event was also a fundraiser for the NSW Rural Fire Service with Santa arriving on the back of the Darlington RFS truck.
Another $200 was raised through gold coin donations and a lolly jar guessing competition.
“The RFS was an easy choice, we were looking for an organisation that is active at all locations Gym Matrix provides gymnastics,” Ms Kendell said.
“With gymnastics at Clarence Town, Dungog, Singleton and Stroud, the RFS was perfect.”
Gym Matrix has just been named as a top four finalist in the 2017 NSW Medium Size Gymnastics Club of the Year.
“We’re a success, largely because of the community support,” Ms Kendell said.
“Gym Matrix offers gymnastics to rural locations that otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity.”
